The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Jacques Demy, 1964): France, West Germany

Reviewed by Robin Johansson at the AFI Film Festival, Hollywood.

I wasn’t quite sure of what to expect from this film, since the lines are delivered through singing only. As the intro starts I wonder what lies beyond the soaked, colorful umbrellas that pass by the street.

In the first scenes you are introduced to Guy (Nino Castelnuovo), a young, handsome car mechanic and his beautiful girlfriend Geneviève (Catherine Deneuve). The seemingly perfect relationship is in due time showing to have a few thorns in its side. Geneviève’s mother is strongly recommending Geneviève to avoid contact with Guy and soon he is forced to serve the army. Her mother is desperately trying to get her mind off of Guy and introduces Geneviève to Roland Cassard, an older gem-dealer, who loves her deeply.

What I like about this movie is that although you are introduced to this perfect romance between Guy and Geneviève, the struggles and their choices are very rational. The rational choices make a great contrast with the beautiful and vivid colors in this film that lulls you into the perception of a happy, problem free world. I have to give credit for the amazing restoration work by Agnes Varda and her daughter, the movie looks close to brand new. Another nice feature is the clothes, that more than live up to the world famous fashion reputation of France.

After watching this movie you feel completely different from when you started watching it and isn’t it a sad thought, that even in the most beautiful places, relationships do have their thorns.